I switched from cartridge razors to a safety razor 14 months ago, mostly because I was tired of spending $30 a month on Gillette refills. What started as a frugality experiment turned into a genuinely better shave. closer, less irritated, and far cheaper. Over the past year I have used five different safety razors across daily shaves, and I want to share which ones I would actually recommend to a beginner. Most safety razor recommendations online come from enthusiasts who already know the difference between aggressive and mild blade exposure, which is unhelpful if you have never held one.
For a beginner, the right razor is mild. Mild means the blade barely protrudes from the head, which makes nicks rare and forgiveness high while you learn the technique. Once you get used to a mild razor (no pressure, 30-degree angle, two or three passes), you can graduate to more aggressive heads if you want, or just stay mild forever. There is no shame in mild. it gives the best comfort-to-closeness ratio for most faces. Here are the five I would put in a starter kit.
Comparison Table
| Razor | Best For | Aggressiveness | Material | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merkur 34C Heavy Duty | Classic starter | Mild-Medium | Chrome brass | ~$60-150 |
| Edwin Jagger DE89 | Beginner pick | Mild | Chrome | ~$60-150 |
| Rockwell 6S | Adjustable feel | Adjustable | Stainless | ~$150-400 |
| Henson AL13 Mild | Most forgiving | Very mild | Aluminum | ~$150-400 |
| Viking’s Blade Chieftain | Budget pick | Medium | Brass | ~$30-60 |
Merkur 34C Heavy Duty
The most-recommended starter razor on the internet, and rightly so. The short handle has perfect balance, the head is mild enough to be forgiving but efficient enough to feel like a real shave. Get this if you only buy one.
Edwin Jagger DE89
Even milder than the Merkur. The DE89 head is the safest starter shave I have used. almost impossible to cut yourself if your angle is decent. Pair with a sharp blade like Astra SP and you are set.
Rockwell 6S
If you like the idea of dialing in your razor, the 6S uses interchangeable base plates ranging from very mild to aggressive. You can start at plate 1 and work your way up over months.
Henson AL13 Mild
A modern reimagining. CNC-machined aluminum with blade exposure so consistent it is almost impossible to mess up. The most beginner-proof razor I have used, and it weighs almost nothing.
Viking’s Blade Chieftain
The budget pick that holds its own. Heavier and slightly more aggressive than the others, but at half the price of the Merkur, it is a great entry point for skeptics.
What Matters Most
Mild head, sharp blade, no pressure. The single biggest mistake beginners make is pushing the razor down. let the weight of the razor do the work, and you will avoid 90 percent of nicks.
My Setup
I use a Henson AL13 Mild with Astra SP blades (cheapest sharp blade in my testing), a Stirling shaving soap puck, and a synthetic brush. Total cost of a year of shaving including blades is under $40.
Common Mistakes
Trying an aggressive razor as your first one because the YouTube reviewers said it gave the closest shave. Closest does not matter if you are bleeding. Start mild and work up if you ever feel the need.
Final Recommendation
For most beginners, the Edwin Jagger DE89 is the right first razor. mild, classic, easy. If you want a modern alternative that is even more forgiving, get the Henson AL13. The Merkur 34C is the right “upgrade once” razor when you feel ready for a touch more bite.
Frequently asked questions
Is a safety razor harder to use than a cartridge razor?+
It is different, not harder. The learning curve is about a week if you go slowly. The technique you learn actually reduces irritation compared to cartridge shaving.
How often do I change a safety razor blade?+
Most users get 5 to 7 shaves per blade. Replacement blades cost 10 to 25 cents each, versus $3+ per cartridge.